Finger splint



., FOULKE FINGER SPLINT Filed April 1925 fig f v INVENTOR Patented Feb. 15, 1927.

, UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROY D. FOULKE, OF WARSAW, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR TO DE PUY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF INDIANA.

FINGER SPLINT.

Application filed April 22, 1925.

This invention relates to improvements in surgical splints for injured digits, and the object thereof is to provide a structure that when applied to an injured finger will prevent bending of the finger at any of its joints including the knuckle joint, and which will shelter the extended end of the finger so that bumping of the end of the finger is obviated;

Another object is to so form the splint that it will prevent lateral bending of the finger as well as the normal bending of the finger at its-joints, and so that it is equally adaptable to any one of the fingers of the hand. Anda further object is to so form the splint as topermit longitudinal traction of the finger therein While confining the finger from bending, and so that treatment for the extension of the finger may be readily applied when so desired.

These objects are accomplished by the construction illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1. is a perspective View of a hand with a splint applied thereto, in which the invention is embodied;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a side view projected from Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a rear end view of the same.

The characters appearing in the description refer to parts shown in the drawings and designated thereon by corresponding characters.

The invention comprises a splint formed of an elongated plate 1, preferably of metal, such as aluminum or such other material of such stillness as will afford sufficient strength as to sustain the finger in its confined position in the splint, but which may be readily bent into the desired shape by applying greater force than that to which it will be subjected after the splint is applied. plate is shaped with a top portion 2 that is longitudinally straight and transversely arched, its under face being concave, and its sides 3 inclined downwardly. Contiguous with the forward end of the cover is a loop 4 that forms a finger tip shelter, the plate being transversely straight at the front end of the loop. That portion of the plate con- The Serial No. 25,034.

tiguous with the lower part of the loop extends rearwardly therefrom partway in a straight plane and is transversely curved, its upper surface being concave and its sides 5 upwardly inclined so as to form a finger cradle 6. That portion of the plate at the rear end of the cradle is shaped with downward curvature and its transversely straight, and forms a palm rest 7, the upper surface of which is convex.

In utilizing the invention the splint is applied to the injured digit by placing the finger in the cradle with the cover extending over the tops of the finger joints, with the loop 4 extending beyond the finger tip 8 and with the rest 7 extending beneath the knuckle joint and in the palm 9 of the hand 10. The customary bandage (not shown) is applied to the injured finger and the splint in accordance with the practice of surgeons. W hen thus applied, the splint serves as a comfortable rest for the finger as it is supported by the hand to which the rest 7 is bandaged, and the cover 2 prevents the finger joints from moving upwardly. The sides 3 and 5 of the cover and cradle respectively partially cover the corresponding sides of the finger so that lateral bending of the finger is prevented. The hollow of the loop at at the end of the finger permits elongation of the finger, and the loop affords a shelter that prevents contact of an obstruction with the finger tip.

What I claim is A linger splint formed of an elongated plate shaped with a cover portion that is longitudinally straight and transversely arched, its under face being concave and its sides inclined downwardly, a finger-tip sheltering loop contiguous with the forward end of said cover portion, a cradle portion contiguous with the lower end of the loop and extending rearwardly therefrom, its upper face being concave and its sides upwardly inclined, and that portion of the plate at the rear end of said cradle portion being shaped with downward longitudinal curvature so as to fit against the palm.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

ROY D. FOUL-KE. 

